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Dogs and cats could soon be allowed on buses across the Region of Murcia
More than 413,000 pets are officially registered in the Region of Murcia as authorities prepare to consult the public
Taking your dog on the bus or travelling with your cat could become much easier in the Region of Murcia if plans being developed by the regional government go ahead.
The government wants to introduce a common set of rules covering pets on public transport, potentially opening up buses and other services to thousands of animals while setting clear conditions for their travel.
The move comes as the number of people living with pets continues to grow and more businesses and public spaces across the Region of Murcia become pet-friendly.
There are currently more than 413,000 officially registered pets in the Region, according to preliminary figures from the first National Statistics on Animal Protection, published by the Ministry of Social Rights in June.
That works out at roughly one pet for every four people. Dogs account for 204,520 of the registered animals, while there are 153,494 cats. The remaining 55,405 include animals such as rabbits, birds, reptiles and turtles.
The regional government believes new rules need to strike a balance between allowing pet owners to use public transport and ensuring other passengers can enjoy a "safe, hygienic and comfortable service".
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Territorial Development, headed by Jorge García Montoro, plans to open a public consultation in the coming weeks. Residents, transport users, animal protection groups, transport companies, local authorities and other organisations will be able to give their views before the proposed decree is drafted.
The aim is to create a single framework covering the whole Region of Murcia, including rules on identification, health requirements, carriers and restraint systems.
The future regulations could also set limits on the size or number of animals allowed on board and establish conditions designed to protect both pets and other passengers.
The law currently states that animals must travel in a compartment suitable for their species or, in the case of dogs, be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle. Municipalities can also restrict access at certain times or on certain types of transport, while transport companies can charge additional fees.
The public consultation is expected to remain open for two months once it is published, giving residents and organisations across the Region of Murcia the chance to make suggestions before the government draws up the final regulations.
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